Some upgrade scenarios will require physical media

Microsoft dropped a bombshell yesterday when it revealed that even Windows pirates will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 at no cost, though we have a clarification on that, which we'll get to in a moment. The Redmond outfit also outlined how you'll be able to make the leap to Windows 10 when it becomes available later this year -- if you have a PC or tablet running Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 with all the latest updates, you'll be able to upgrade using the Windows Update service. The same goes for Windows Phone 8.1.

Fastest commercial Chromebook around?

Acer later today will be adding a new configuration to its C910 line of Chromebooks, one that will sport an Intel Core i5 5200U processor. Equipped with the new chip, Acer says it feels confident claiming that it's the fastest performing commercial Chromebook on the market. At the same time, the C910 offers all-day battery life of up to 8 hours before needing to be recharged.

Just in time for Battlefield Hardline

Electronics Arts' highly anticipated Battlefield Hardline game released to PC (and consoles) yesterday, and with it Nvidia has a new WHQL driver release, version 347.88, that it says will ensure you'll have the best possible gaming experience in EA's latest title. The new driver also comes right as Nvidia officially releases its newest flagship graphics card, the GeForce Titan X (check out our review of the Titan X here).

A new flagship

Trendnet unveiled a new flagship router -- AC3200 Tri Band / TEW-828DRU -- at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas back in January, but at the time, it wasn't available. Now it is, or soon will be once stores update their inventories. Trendnet tells us the TEW-828DRU is now shipping to North America and North America only, promising strong performance in busy connected homes.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me!

Software piracy has been the bane of Microsoft's existence ever since the first copy of Windows was pirated. Since then, it's been a cat and mouse game between Microsoft and software pirates, but when it comes to Windows 10, it looks like Microsoft is willing to call a truce. More specifically, reports have emerged that Windows 10 will be offered as a free upgrade to all Windows users, even those running non-genuine copies.

Mini-ITX or bust

Cougar on Monday announced the arrival of its QBX, the "most advanced compact gaming case" around. According to Cougar, there are three reasons the QBX stands out from the crowd. The first is its compact dimensions -- the small form factor (SFF) chassis measures 178 (W) x 260 (H) x 368 (D) millimeters, or 7 (W) x 10.2 (H) x 14.5 (D) inches and can only swallow up mini-ITX motherboards.

Tackling a Titan X

Nvidia finally made official a new flagship graphics card today, the mighty GeForce Titan X, and right on cue are the barrage of announcements from system builders flaunting the availability of the successor to Titan Z. That includes boutique builder Digital Storm, which is now (or soon) offering the Titan X in various configurations inside its Aventum, Bolt, and Velox desktop product lines.

A leaner OS

When Windows 10 launches in its final form to the public later this year, it will come with a smaller footprint than what you might be used to. That's because Microsoft is making a concerted effort to reduce the storage space necessary for a Windows 10 device, and there are two ways the Redmond is going about it -- compression and recovery enhancements. Microsoft explains both in a blog post.

Vague security bulletin is vague

Imagine being told that you're in danger for the next couple of days and that there's nothing you can do about it but sit tight and wait it out. Talk about suckage. Well, that's essentially what the OpenSSL Project just did, though there's a reason behind it. The OpenSSL Project announced plans to plug up several security holes, including one that's classified as "high severity," in a series of updates scheduled for March 19.